Notre Dame du Laus

The Catholic Church is always cautious about approving an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She takes her time to be sure that it is authentic. A major part of the discernment process includes the message. It is investigated to be sure there is nothing contrary to Catholic Doctrine. If there is something contrary, then the Church will make it clear by saying so. & even when it gives approval to an apparition & its message, the Church does not require anyone to believe or accept the message. Why? Because it is a private not public revelation. All public revelation ended with the last book of the New Testament being written.

In this case it has been almost 300 years in the discerning.

In May of 1664, the Blessed Virgin Mary began appearing to a 17 year old shepherd girl, Benoite Rencurel, at Saint-Étienne-le-Laus in the French Alps. The apparitions continued until 1718. Yesterday (4 May 2008), Bishop Jean-Michel di Falco Leandri officially recognized the "supernatural origin" of those apparitions.

According to a report in the International Herald Tribune: "The bishop, in an interview on France-Info radio, said the decision meant the church "has committed itself in an official way to say to pilgrims 'you can come here in total confidence.'" The recognition process involved a panel of experts including two theologians and an investigating judge, he said."

According to the article (quoting Vatican Radio's website): "some 30 cardinals and bishops from around the world were expected for the Mass in Laus, to attend the "celebration" of the recognition."

This makes the site an official pilgrimage site on par with Lourdes in France.

From another news report (UK's Telegraph): "Jean-Michel di Falco Leandri, the Bishop of Gap, told the gathering: "I recognise the supernatural origin of the apparitions and facts experienced and recounted by Benôite Rencurel, between 1664 and 1718.

"I encourage the faithful to come and pray and to seek spiritual renewal in this sanctuary," he said.

The bishop denied that the official recognition was a marketing ploy on behalf of the Catholic Church.

He said: "You're not obliged to believe in apparitions, even official recognised ones. But if they are a help in your faith and daily life, why reject them?""

Like many apparitions, this 1 was at 1st rejected by many, including some of those in Church authority. But over time it has come to be discerned that the message etc was authentic. According to the Telegraph article: "Notre Dame du Laus, which already draws some 120,000 pilgrims each year, was formally acknowledged by the Vatican after three years of research into its credentials by a team of theologians, historians and psychologists."

The message from Mary was to build a church with a house for priests. According to mary it was intended "for the conversion of the sinners", a "Refuge of the sinners". The message is the message of God's Mercy.

Official website (French only)